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So, we hightailed it on over to the M5 Network Security booth and ran into the company's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Merik Karman, whom we promptly interviewed about the new tech. The M5 SCS-100 Secure Communications System is essentially a small, lightweight mobile encrypted tactical communications (tactical comms) module that can be connected to a soft phone (VoIP phone), laptop computer or tablet computer to enable the operator to engage in encrypted/secure tactical comms (tactical communications) with whomever else has a SCS-100 or SCS-200 module on hand.

Mr. Karman had the following to say about the SCS-100 during our interview with him (we've edited out our questions):

"So, the SCS-100 here is essentially a fly-away kit or a solo [unintelligible]. This device here is everything you need to affect secure communications other than the laptop that you’re gonna’ use. So, basically in that case is your high-grade crypto, as well as this device here. We try and make this as easy to use as possible, allowing the person that’s traveling to not require communications support. So, literally no communications support, a high-ranking officer, a high-ranking officer, a solo…a liaison officer can achieve secure communications without their aid. So, for example, here, we’re running over hotel [WiFi], and I could…additional to that, I could bring up a WiFi bearer and connect using the easy-to-use touchscreen, find a wireless network, join it, and mesh my communications back with the strategic interface.

I can, additional to that, use a soft phone (VoIP phone) on this device, make a phone call, there's a battery in-built, so I can transition from the hotel…battery included, so I can remove the power and transition from a fixed situation in a hotel to a car, plug it into the cigarett lighter and go live on [unintelligble] on-the-move terminal or on 3G or 4G. So, basically, everything you need, here, in-built to this tiny little package. This has 3G, 4G, WiFi, video cell, 3-gigabit ethernets, all built into this device, including cybersecurity [also written cyber-security].

These days, as we rely more on more on net-centric warfare, we rely more and more on networks to conduct our busines, we must be vigilant to the cyber threat. The problem is that we would typically rely on strategic sensors to find out what's going on. What we're doing with this is we're actually putting intrusion detection and firewall capability right out at the tactical edge. So, that's what makes this product a little bit different [from] others. So, this laptop is connected through here, drawing a [WiFi] bearer from a hotel internet service, communicating back with a tactical interface in Australia [and] performing a video conference with that device over there, the SCS-200. This [SCS-200] is a larger model. This one here [SCS-200] is designed to support five (5) people, where the 100 is designed to support only one (1).

Well, this here [SCS-200] has soft phones, both on the red sides, and sipanet and nipanet phones built-in, but it also provides power-over-ethernet to a fixed handset to support normal voice-over-IP telephony. That’s [laptop] communicating to that one there via that same system. So, it's a fully meshed IP communication system using public IP bearer system."

When Defense Review commented that the SCS-100 appeared to be the "coolest little thing" at the booth, Karman replied "Yeah, yeah, this [SCS-100] is game-changing in terms of its form factor. Imagine previously having to carry a great big briefcase with all sorts of equipment. Literally, now, we’re talking about this [SCS-100] and a laptop."

It's important to note that for top-secret-level encrypted tactical comms, the operator would have to couple the software-based M5 SCS-100 with a hardware-based high-grade crypto device/module like the L-3 TRL Technology Mini-CATAPAN, which is a "pocket-sized" 100Mbps device/module.

Defense Review's video from the show below contains some great info on the SCS-100 and SCS-200 Secure Communications Systems:

The following information on the SCS-100 comes from the M5 Network Security website:

The following information comes from the M5 Network Security SCS-100 Secure Communications System data sheet:

"The SCS-100’s small and lightweight form factor is designed to allow a single user simultaneous access to a range of secure networks, from highly classified to unclassified, from anywhere in the world using any IP network safely and securely.

To ensure highly reliable communications, the SCS-100 establishes simultaneous connections via Wi-Fi, 3G (4G upgradable), BGAN Satellite, Ethernet and ADSL. The user can direct the SCS-100 to select the best-performing or most cost effective connection or load balance multiple connection bearers. An intuitive touch screen interface, with pre-saved scenarios, allows the end-user to easily configure the system on-site without the need to travel with technical specialists.

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.